Speaking confidently with clear pronunciation

Goal of This Lesson

To help English learners say the phrase “Speaking confidently with clear pronunciation” clearly, naturally, and with the right stress and intonation.

🗣️ Why This Phrase Matters

This phrase is more than just a sentence—it's a powerful message about what learners strive for. Mastering how to pronounce it correctly builds:

• Confidence in speaking

• Clarity in communication

• Control over pronunciation habits

🔍 Breakdown of the Phrase

Let's break this phrase into smaller parts:

“Speaking confidently with clear pronunciation”

1. Speaking /ˈspiː.kɪŋ/

• Stress is on the first syllable: SPEAK-ing

• The “ea” sounds like a long /iː/ as in see

• The “-ing” should sound like /ɪŋ/ – avoid saying “-een”

✅ Say it like: SPEE-king, not speakingk

2. Confidently /ˈkɒn.fɪ.dənt.li/ (UK) or /ˈkɑːn.fɪ.dənt.li/ (US)

• Stress on the first syllable: CON-fi-dent-ly

• The middle “e” in “-dent” is often reduced to a schwa /ə/ → sounds like duhnt

• Don’t overemphasize “-ly”; it should flow naturally

✅ Say it like: KON-fi-duhnt-lee
❌ Avoid: con-fee-dent-lee

3. With /wɪð/ or /wɪθ/

• Both are correct: /ð/ (as in this) or /θ/ (as in think) depending on accent

• Link it smoothly to the next word “clear” without a pause

✅ Say: with-clear → almost like one word

4. Clear /klɪə(r)/

• Start with a hard k sound

• “ear” sounds like /ɪə/ (UK) or /ɪr/ (US)

• Keep the “l” sound light, not thick or swallowed

✅ Say: kleer (US), or kli-uh (UK)
❌ Avoid: “clur” or “clee-ar”

5. Pronunciation /prəˌnʌn.siˈeɪ.ʃən/

• Stress is on the third syllable: pro-NUN-ci-A-tion

• Notice: It's not “pronounciation”!

• “ci-a” sounds like /siˈeɪ/

• Keep the rhythm: pro-NUN-ci-A-tion

✅ Say: pruh-NUN-see-AY-shun
❌ Avoid: “pro-noun-ciation”

🎧 Practice with Audio

(📌 On your site, add audio buttons for each phrase part and the full sentence.)

Listen & Repeat:

"Speaking confidently with clear pronunciation."
Try repeating slowly, then at natural speed.

📝 Practical Speaking Exercise

Repeat After Me (Slow → Natural)

Step 1: Slow pace

• Speak... ing

• Con... fi... dent... ly

• With... clear... pro... nun... ci... a... tion

Step 2: Chunked rhythm

• Speaking confidently

• With clear pronunciation

Step 3: Full sentence naturally

• "Speaking confidently with clear pronunciation."

🔄 Practice Tip

Try saying the sentence in different tones to feel more natural:

• Happy tone: 😀 “Speaking confidently with clear pronunciation!”

• Calm tone: 😌 “Speaking confidently with clear pronunciation.”

• Persuasive tone: 🧠 “Speaking confidently—with clear pronunciation.”

Recording yourself and listening back can help improve awareness of your rhythm, stress, and clarity.

✅ Summary

Here’s what you learned:

• How to pronounce each word correctly

• Where to place stress in the sentence

• How to say the whole sentence smoothly and confidently

📌 Bonus: Real-Life Use Example

“In job interviews, it’s important to speak confidently with clear pronunciation so your message is understood.”